Diving with a Beard

[Bigbella]

I never did anything special when I wore a beard, aside from frequently using FFMs, which didn't leak. Minor leaks from regular masks didn't bother me too much.

A beard-o that we once worked with swore by the use of "pharmaceutical-grade" lanolin, meant for nursing mothers. We never let him forget about his poor chaffed nipples.

Trim things; grease yourself up; do whatever you please -- just as long as it doesn't wind up becoming a John Waters tribute; or, sadly, the appearance that you completely snotted yourself . . .

There are some community standards to consider . . .

 

[SlugLife]

the appearance that you snotted yourself

If you've been diving any length of time, you've probably snotted your mask.

 

[Fishdip]

Full face of hair and nerved had a issue…

 

[Thunder Struck]

I just started using silicone grease on my mustache. I had not thought of that, but that does make perfect sense. Like dissolves like, and the silicone grease will likely break the skirt down over time. I will be giving lanolin or beeswax a try instead, thanks!

I tried beeswax and it was quite hard when diving the colder months. If I leave the lanolin outside I can usually stuff it under my half-off wetsuit or in a pocket if I haven’t changed out yet for a few minutes to get it soft enough to squirt out.

 

[Boarderguy]

Why bother with all that extra effort. Full beard and stache. I don't trim or shave my face and have minimal leaks unless I dislodge my mask underwater. The small seepage I get is dealt with by an occasional exhale through my nose instead of the reg. No big breaths or breaths aimed at clearing. I only clear it once the swishing hits my eye. Mask stays fog free this way too.

 

[digitaljedi]

I've had good experiences with beeswax and a well fitting mask with a skirt that ends just above my 'stache. There will be a little water seeping in occasionally, nothing that can't be dealt with a little puff of air